this is a [test] of the emergency broadcast system

[titansno]

TEST DRIVE MEME

> The Park. Man, what a nice day out. Why not enjoy it? I'm sure -- shit, yep, there's some echo monsters.
> The Mall. Exactly what it says on the tin! Dodge the hordes of teenage mallrats or take part, whichever suits your tastes.
> Rainy Day. Agh, it's fucking awful out. And is it raining those vermilion things?? Now you've got an Echo to contend with on top of everything else. Find some shelter, quick!
> PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, HOW FUN
> The most horribly kitschy Arts and Crafts Fair you can imagine.
> Wild Card! Make up your own.

Comments

Tom McNair | Being Human

[simplewolf]

[There's a young man in the mall, hands in his pockets and a look of awe on his face as he strolls around from here to there. His clothes look to be picked for comfort rather than appeal and he scuffs his feet on the floor as he walks.

At a glance, one might say he looks a little uncertain about where he is. It's when he sees a toy store that his face lights up in a broad grin and the youth jogs toward it to stand before the store window. A rather large and expensive robot figurine is on display behind the glass.]

Always wanted one of these, I did.

[You'd swear it's Christmas with how happy he looks.]

[detectivetroll]

[Nick comes up behind him, a pair of soft pretzels in one hand and a soda container in the other, and pauses as he looks over the display.]

Well, you'll be easy to shop for when it's Christmas.

[simplewolf]

[Tom shuffles his feet and smiles at Nick.]

Well I didn't mean I want one now. I mean, when I was a kid I did.

[Lies. He totally still wants one now.]

[detectivetroll]

[Nick offers him one of the pretzels with a raised eyebrow.]

Come on, man, don't take away the one easy person I've got on my list.

[He sees right through those lies.]

[simplewolf]

[Food is the way to his heart, Nick. You're the best cousin ever. Tom takes the offered pretzel and grins.]

Thanks.

[And taking a bite bigger than he ever should. Don't mind him, he's just going to keep talking while he chews that.]

M'being serious here, Nick. I'm not into that kid stuff anymore.

[detectivetroll]

[Dude, if Nick gets best cousin ever just for getting Tom a pretzel, he's going to have to feed him more often.]

Says the guy talking with his mouth full.

[Nick's teasing, but no seriously, he's getting him that robot.]

Who says that's kid stuff, anyway? They're just called collectibles when you get older.

[simplewolf]

Wha?

[Oh. Right. Tom actually chews and swallows before he answers, looking a little sheepish as he does.]

I dunno I'm just. I'm growin' up, you know? It just feels like it's something I shouldn't be...

[Tom ends the sentence with a shrug and another bite of the pretzel.]

[detectivetroll]

[Nick bumps his shoulder against Tom's, shoving him lightly.]

You should see the stuff my partner collects, man, robots pale in comparison to that. Then there's Monroe and his model trains...

[simplewolf]

[Reason 543 of why you're the best, Nick.]

Yuji? What's he up to?

[The mention of trains earns a smile.]

I like the trains though.

[detectivetroll]

[He's a big fan of how many reasons for that there are.]

...probably singing karaoke somewhere. I haven't gotten a call or drunk text yet, so he should be fine.

[He grins a little.]

I can't decide if you should never tell Monroe that because it'll only encourage him, or if you should definitely tell Monroe that because it'd encourage him.

[simplewolf]

[Tom laughs at that, loud and pure.]

Never would of considered karaoke for him but now that you say it I can't get the image out of my head.

[Monroe is someone Tom rather likes. More so since he found out about the trains.]

Then I vote we tell him. If it makes him happy then it's worth it, don't you think?

[Have yourself a big goofy grin, Nick.]

[detectivetroll]

[Nick can't help but chuckle slightly, torn between pleased at the laugh and exasperated at Yuji's karaoke.]

Just wait until he drags you along with him. He does it to me at least every couple of months.

[It's hard to hide his affectionate smile when Tom says stuff like that.]

It is worth it. And I'm sure he'll get you to help him set them up.

[simplewolf]

Singing... isn't exactly my thing.

[Karaoke kinda sounds terrifying. Maybe if he was drunk. Really drunk. And even then it's a long shot. The trains however make him smile.]

Now that's more like it. You and Yuji can go to karaoke and me and Monroe can set up the trains.

[sassymaru]

[Who the hell let Nick's partner take this guy to the mall. Seriously. In the list of BAD IDEAS this one might top it.]

[He stands just behind him, looking at the display with clear disdain. Though it's the same expression he wore when he saw what Tom was wearing today, too. So maybe it's just his default setting lately. Thank you Network.]

Always wanted a toy robot?

Surely there's something better.

[simplewolf]

[Tom's not sure what he's done to Yuji to make him look at him like that but he's not going to let it spoil a good day. In fact, it makes him want to fix whatever the problem is and see the man smile. Even just a little.]

Well yeah but--

[Yuji what are you saying.]

No, no see this is the best one of the lot. It's the leader and it shoots lasers and he's got blades in his hands so when he punches the aliens it does huge damage!

[sassymaru]

[He'd like to put you in a nice new set of clothes, but Nick told him he's not allowed to take Tom anywhere near the dressing rooms. Like Yuji can't control himself or something.]

[He just arches an eyebrow.]

Real robots don't shoot lasers. They speak bad English and drive motorcycles.

[simplewolf]

[Tom shoots Yuji a baffled, confused and somewhat disgruntled look.]

What kind of robots are you even talkin' about?

[Gosh, Yuji. Get with the program.]

[sassymaru]

Real ones.

[He grins, then, all mysterious and knowing-like. He's going to enjoy this while he can.]

[simplewolf]

[The smile is kind of unnerving, even if it's what Tom's been trying to get him to do all day.]

...Nooo, no see now I know you're pulling me leg.

[Tom laughs and points a finger at Yuji.]

[sassymaru]

If I were doing that, it would be a much better lie. And have a much better chance of getting your pants off.

[He shrugs, hands firmly on his hips, and all kinds of skepticism on his face.]

[At least he's being honest.]

[simplewolf]

[Tom lets his hand drop in favour of casually checking his pants are still well in place.]

M'sorry, Yuji, but these pants are staying right where they are no matter what you do.

[He folds his arms across his chest matter of factly.]

Robots or no robots.

this is the best flustered icon i have

[sassymaru]

[He actually winces. Visibly. His hands come up enough to drag down his face. Did he actually just.]

That was... I wasn't trying to... we're in the middle of a mall...

[And then he trails off, muttering in Japanese.]

/dead

[simplewolf]

Well!

[This is awkward. :|a]

I was just... making sure, you know?

[Right. So he's just gonna keep walking along now.]

So what's this about real robots?

[sassymaru]

[He waggles a finger.]

I'll have you know, just because I love men... doesn't mean I want to violate public decency laws.

[Why yes, he is purposefully making a scene. And strutting indignantly after Tom.]

I knew one.

[simplewolf]

[Tom chuckles.]

Having a pet Furby doesn't count, Yuji.